Vacuum Valve Cam-Driven Closure Member Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum valves face challenges in efficiently guiding the closure member between open, intermediate, and closed positions using complex drive mechanisms and guide elements, which can be cumbersome and difficult to control.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum valve employs a drive shaft with longitudinal and transverse displacement cam mechanisms, interacting with engagement members to guide the closure member through parallel movements, allowing for simple and controlled adjustment between positions using cam mechanisms and linear guides, and includes a locking device for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex drive mechanisms and guide elements are used to guide the closure member between positions, then the closure member can be guided through open, intermediate, and closed positions, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the longitudinal and transverse guide functions into a single L-shaped guide element. This guide element has a first guide portion for longitudinal movement and a second guide portion for transverse movement, integrating what would traditionally require separate guide mechanisms into one unified component, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining full positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The L-shaped guide element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the closure member in longitudinal direction during opening/closing, guides transverse movement during positioning, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated guide elements for each movement direction, reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If the closure member is placed against the valve seat with high contact pressure force, then sealing is improved, but the service life of the sealing ring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the contact pressure force between the closure member and valve seat to be dynamically regulated. The contact pressure force can be adjusted within a range, enabling optimization between sealing performance and sealing ring longevity based on operating conditions, rather than being fixed at a high constant value
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables change in the contact pressure force parameter. By adjusting the position of the closure member relative to the valve seat through the guide mechanism, the contact pressure force can be varied to achieve optimal sealing without excessive force that would prematurely wear the sealing ring
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides efficient and controlled movement of the closure member, optimizing the contact pressure force and extending the service life of the sealing ring, while allowing for easy regulation of the contact pressure force and secure locking of the valve positions.
Implementation Method 1
The drive shaft has, in a first portion, a longitudinal displacement cam member of a longitudinal displacement cam mechanism and, in a second portion, a transverse displacement cam member of a transverse displacement cam mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The vacuum valve includes a closure member that can be moved, parallel to a longitudinal movement direction, between an open position in which it unblocks the valve opening and an intermediate position in which it covers the valve opening but is raised off the valve seat, and that can be moved, parallel to a transverse movement direction, between the intermediate position and a closed position in which it bears against the valve seat; a valve rod that bears the closure member is mounted for displacement parallel to the longitudinal and transverse movement directions; a displacement part rigidly connected to the valve rod; and a drive motor which rotates a driveshaft about an axis parallel to the longitudinal movement direction in order to move the closure member between the open position, the intermediate position and the closed position. The drive shaft has, in a first section, a longitudinal displacement cam member of a longitudinal displacement cam mechanism that interacts with a longitudinal displacement engagement member of the longitudinal displacement cam mechanism in order to move the closure member between the open position and the intermediate position, and has, in a second section, a transverse displacement cam member of a transverse displacement cam mechanism that interacts with a transverse displacement engagement member of the transverse displacement cam mechanism in order to move the closure member between the intermediate position and the closed position.